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An au pair is in charge of taking care of the children and lives within the home of the family. In Qatar, au pairs may also be called nannies or caregivers. It is not uncommon in Qatar to employ a housekeeper or maid as an au pair in addition to her normal duties.

Au pairs are provided accommodation and meals and a stipend of spending money. The family gains a loving caretaker for their children and an addition to the family. Expats have both found work, and employed, au pairs.

Au Pair in Doha

It is not uncommon to employ au pairs in Qatar although most women whose spouses work in Qatar care for their children at home, enrolling them in nurseries or pre-schools for socialization.

To hire an au pair in Doha you can post ads and look for candidates on EasyExpat's Qatar job listings. You can also connect and share info on the Au Pair in Qatar forum. Also ask friends and contacts in Doha for recommendations. Compensation varies on duties, length of shifts, etc.

What the au pair must know

Basic application criteria for au pairs vary, but there are a few typical requirements:

• Be conversant in English
• Be between 18-27 years old
• Have a High School diploma or equivalent
• Be able to commit to at least a 6 month placement
• Have at least 6 months child care experience
• Be able to provide 3 references regarding your experience and character
• Be in good physical and mental condition as evidenced by a Physician's Report
• Agree to a background check
• Be trained in First Aid

In addition to these requirements, it is common for families to ask for non-smoking, possession of driver's license, responsible or non-drinkers, and for females. Many au pair families prefer native English speakers. Some employers may also require time spent tutoring.

If you are an au pair searching for employment in Doha, you may consult:

• Easyaupair: http://www.easyaupair.com/aupair_jobs/Qatar/
• Nanny Agency: http://www.nanny-agency.com/
• AuPair.com: http://www.aupair.com/find_aupair.php
• Great Au Pair: http://www.greataupair.com/aupair-nanny-jobs/Qatar.htm
• EasyExpat's Au Pair Listings

What the family has to do

The family has to welcome the au pair as a valuable employee and part of the family. Therefore:

• The au pair must have her own bedroom.
• The au pair will work to a maximum of 40 hours per week with a minimum 2 days off during the week.
• They understand that having an au pair does not mean having a servant. Au pairs may be asked to do some housework as agreed upon in the contract.
• It may be of benefit to register the au pair at the family doctor.
• The family should pay an allowance, with the amount written into the contract.

Visa To Au Pair in Doha

When a family hires an au pair in Qatar, they must sponsor her for a Work Visa and Residence Permit. However, the au pair, if already in Qatar, must be in the country on a valid visa.

There are no special au pair visas or residence permits in Qatar.

For more information see "Passport and Visas".